SHORELINE, Wash. -- Thousands of customers lost power after windy weather toppled trees and power lines Sunday morning, ruining Christmas dinners and disrupting other holiday plans.
About 18,000 Seattle City Light customers lost power Sunday. Power was restored to most of those homes by late Sunday night. Thousands of Puget Sound Energy customers also lost power.
A Christmas service was underway at Mars Hill Church in Shoreline when the power went out around 11:30 a.m., but that did not stop the pastor from preaching.
"Our pastor still had enough bellowing in his voice to preach without a mic," said James Harleman, one of the pastors. "We had enough iPhone apps to have light."
But the church was forced to cancel its 5 p.m. service because it was too dark inside and outside of the church. Harleman and others waited outside of the church with treats to greet those who showed up.
"Unfortunately, our power is out so we're unable to have services tonight," Kathryn Harleman told one carload of people. "But would you like some cookies or a cup of coffee?"
A few blocks away, Gordon Martin's family sat in the living room surrounded by candlelight. What was on their wish list?
"Wouldn't mind some electricity," Martin said with a laugh.
Their Christmas dinner, which included salmon and potatoes, sat uncooked in the refrigerator. Instead, the family of four devoured a bag of Lays potato chips.
"I know my wife isn't happy about it," Martin said.
Power returned to the Martin home shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday. Assuming the salmon is still edible, they plan to eat their Christmas feast on Monday.
